FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) – People could gamble with an electronic version of the popular paper pull tab game under a bill that cleared the state legislature on Wednesday.
The bill would let Kentucky charities use an electronic version of the game played on tablet-like devices. The game emulates slot machines in that players try to reveal patterns that match a cash prize. It will become law if Democratic Gov. Steve Beshear signs it.
Kentucky’s charitable gambling revenue has declined nearly 40 percent in the last decade. Charities asked for the legislation because they hope it will attract younger players.
Virginia legalized electronic pull tab games in 2011. In 2014, the games brought in an extra $213 million in state revenue.
Paper pull tab games account for about 74 percent of all charitable gambling revenue in Kentucky.
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The legislation is Senate Bill 33.
Copyright 2015 The Associated Press.
